It is an unfortunate fact of life -- some people will develop sagging, flabby skin under the chin due to aging or weight loss. You may be at greater risk for flab under your chin if you are losing weight. The skin is stretched by underlying fat, which can leave it loose and flabby once you lose weight. It is easier to prevent flab under the chin by maintaining a healthy weight, hydrating the skin with water and exercising regularly. If you have flab under your chin, there are some things you can do to help reduce its appearance.

Spot Training

Spot training won't help you burn fat from a specific area of your body, but it can build muscle under loose, sagging skin to help improve your appearance. Similar to lifting dumbbells to target and increase the size of your biceps and forearms, facial and chin exercises target the underlying muscles. Facial exercises that target the muscles around and under the chin may help improve a slight sag in chin skin as the muscles increase in size. Combine exercise with a healthy diet, aerobic exercise and plenty of water to help maintain your skin's elasticity.

Chin Lifts

Lifting your chin and tightening your throat muscles may help firm the flabby skin under your chin. Sit up straight in a chair and close your mouth with your lips together. Lift your chin slightly toward the ceiling and place the first two fingers of one hand underneath your chin and gently press against the muscles between your chin and the top of your larynx. Press your back teeth together until you feel the muscles under your chin contract. Push your tongue against your bottom teeth and hold for 10 seconds. Use your fingers to provide resistance against the muscles. Slowly relax and then repeat the exercise. Try to do five repetitions.

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a major role in the health and elasticity of your skin. Your skin cells are constantly being replaced by new cells throughout your life. You need plenty of protein, carbohydrates and water to support cell regeneration for healthy, firm skin. Avoid processed foods that contain high levels of artificial ingredients, preservatives and other chemicals. Eat natural foods, such as berries and grapes, that contain the natural nutrient sorbitol, which helps the skin retain moisture. Fruits and vegetables contain important antioxidants, which can help reduce the free radicals in your body. Free radicals can damage your skin and cause it to lose elasticity.

Repair Your Skin

Once your skin loses its elasticity and starts to hang in a loose flab under your chin, it's not easy to repair it without surgery or other medical interventions. Try topical moisturizers that contain retinol, commonly known as vitamin A. Vitamin C and beta hydroxy acids may also help renew skin elasticity and help reduce the appearance of chin flab.

Resources

About the Author

Robin Reichert is a certified nutrition consultant, certified personal trainer and professional writer. She has been studying health and fitness issues for more than 10 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Science in natural health from Clayton College.